Sébastien Desabre has shared his assessment of the DR Congo national team following their successful run of two friendly victories against Mali and Madagascar.
While the head coach expressed satisfaction with recent progress, he also highlighted key areas where continued development is essential.
The Leopards enjoyed a productive international window in June, securing a narrow 1-0 win over Mali followed by a confident 3-1 victory against Madagascar.
Speaking after Sunday’s match, Desabre offered a balanced reflection, commending his squad’s achievements while stressing the need for further structural and technical growth.
“We’ve done a great deal of work, not just myself and my staff, but also the federation and the government,” said Desabre. “We now have an organizational structure that mirrors that of the major footballing nations, including those in Europe.
The working environment is excellent, and we’ve made a real effort to bring in players for positions that previously lacked depth.”
He emphasized the importance of mentality and discipline in shaping a cohesive team: “We made it clear to the players that this is a professional framework that demands commitment and a strong mindset.
The players we’ve brought in are talented, but it’s their attitude that will make the difference.”
Desabre’s remarks also reflected the ongoing effort to align the Leopards with international standards, both on and off the pitch.
From logistics to player management, he noted that the national team is increasingly operating with a level of professionalism comparable to elite European sides.
However, the French coach was quick to underline that the work is far from complete. With major challenges ahead including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Desabre stressed the importance of continuous improvement.
“There is still room for growth,” he said. “At the domestic level, we must keep monitoring the U20 and U23 national teams, as well as the local championship, which resumed this year.
These are essential pillars in building long-term success.”
Desabre pointed to the African Nations Championship, a tournament reserved for players active in domestic leagues, as an important platform for local talent.
“Otis [Ngoma, the local national team coach] is preparing the team for CHAN. It will provide invaluable experience for several home-based players, some of whom have already been involved with the senior squad.”
While Desabre acknowledged the contributions of dual-national players, many of whom play in Europe, he insisted that domestic development must not be overlooked.
“It’s encouraging to see players from the diaspora embracing the national team, but our focus must also include strengthening the local game. We need to pursue both paths simultaneously.”
The coach’s comments reflect a broader ambition to create a more balanced and sustainable national team setup, one that draws strength from both international and domestic talent pools.
As DR Congo sets its sights on major international competitions, Desabre’s message is clear: pride in progress, but no room for complacency.
With the foundations now in place, the next phase will depend on consistent investment, development, and unity across all levels of Congolese football.
